Sixers News: Houston Rockets Will Interview Sam Cassell

The Houston Rockets’ search for a new head coach could affect the Philadelphia 76ers’ current coaching staff. According to a report from the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen, the Sixers granted the Rockets permission to interview Doc Rivers’ assistant, Sam Cassell.

As the Rockets concluded their 2022-2023 last Sunday, the organization made a key decision regarding the future of their now-former head coach, Stephen Silas. Although Silas had a fourth-year option attached to his contract, the Rockets’ organization declined to pick it up.

Not long after it became clear that Silas was going to part ways with the organization, several coaches were linked to the Rockets' job. Initially, Sam Cassell was not one of them.

Once it became clear that the Rockets would consider at least eight prospects to replace Silas, Cassell was suddenly a potential target. As it turns out, that’s truly the case.

Cassell has been around the NBA since 1993 when he played in the league as a former first-round pick. He got his career started with the Rockets, spending three seasons in Houston. During that tenure, Cassell was a reserve on two championship teams.

The former veteran guard’s playing career lasted until 2009. He spent time with the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics.

Once Cassell’s playing days concluded, he fired up a coaching career, beginning with a stint as an assistant on the Washington Wizards’ staff. In 2014, Cassell joined Doc Rivers with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining his latest move to the Sixers.

Since joining the Sixers’ staff, Cassell has garnered head coaching interest before. Perhaps, the Rockets could be the team that finally hires the former All-Star.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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